Dunga loses his shirt following Brazil’s loss

Editor’s Note: Following is a guest post by the redoubtable Bill Wolfrum. I only mention it because I didn’t want you to think that I developed writing skills overnight.

The honeymoon period has ended for the new coach of the Brazilian national soccer team, as Dunga suffered his first loss in charge of the Seleção, as his squad fell flat against a determined Portugal side led by Brazilian Felipão – Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Aside from that, Dunga raised some eyebrows by wearing a light, flowery, black and white shirt, a far cry from the attire most national coaches wear – usually a suit and tie, or team jogging suit of some sort. Dunga, however, had given the job of clothing designer to his 20-year-old daughter, who showed a larger than average flair in dressing her father.

“They are using this shirt thing to harass me. But that is normal. Everything to do with the Brazil national team is big, and everything becomes news,” he said.

However the Confederation of Brazilan Football (CBF) has jumped into the fray, and made it clear to the former World Cup star that enough is enough. Ricardo Teixeira, the President of the CBF has made it clear to Dunga that he’s expected to dress in a more traditional style from here on out.

Style is still acceptable on the field, mind you, as Dunga has recently spoken of his will to use the talented and flashy Ronaldinho in upcoming games. On the sidelines, however, especially after losing to Portugal and Felipão, a low-key approach is usually for the best.

The 2-0 loss to Portugal was Dunga’s first in six friendlies at the helm of Seleção since he replaced Carlos Alberto Parreira following the World Cup.

Bill Wolfrum resides in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, where he cheers on Cruzeiro, Barcelona, Lyon, and of course, Verdão. His work appears at Williamkwolfrum.com and WorldGolf.com